Chapter 502

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Protagonist:

Yu Zhangsheng

"Haha, should there be any need at that time, I will still have to ask Dao Friend Changsheng to take care of us."

True Lord Jiaolong laughed heartily and spoke respectfully.

"That is only natural."

Yu Zhangsheng echoed, likewise nodding lightly, while in his heart he was thoughtful.

"A Golden Core within one Jiazi, or a Purple Mansion within three Jiazi, only then can one enter the Holy Land's Inner Sect... that is to say, the Inner Sect disciples within the Holy Land, the lowest are all Golden Core cultivation bases, and they are all that kind of outstanding Golden Core; Purple Mansion is..."

"No wonder they say the Holy Land is good at the top; with such foundation, they indeed have this kind of courage. Just don't know, specifically how this Hai Shou Tian Dao is..."

Yu Zhangsheng pondered in his heart, quietly exhaling a breath.

Just the disciples require the lowest Golden Core Purple Mansion Realm; this point indeed exceeds the vast majority of forces by far too much. You must know, Golden Core cultivators, in a sect like the Wu Prefecture Six Sects, can serve as Elders at that tier; Purple Mansion can become the sect's highest echelon.

Yet such core status, in Hai Shou Tian Dao, is merely ordinary Inner Sect disciples.

As for Outer Sect disciples... although True Lord Jiaolong did not say it too clearly, Yu Zhangsheng understood in his heart that so-called Outer Sect disciples are probably just a title in name only.

They have the possibility of contacting the Holy Land, yet cannot obtain the Holy Land's resource tilt; more so, they only do odd jobs for the Holy Land, performing daily operational services.

However, even so, for ordinary cultivators, becoming Hai Shou Tian Dao's Outer Sect disciples still makes them flock to it; after all, no matter how marginal, they still touch the two words Holy Land, meaning more chance to enter the Holy Land's Inner Sect.

………

"Every hundred years, Hai Shou Tian Dao holds a large-scale Disciple Recruitment Meeting; at this time, countless forces in the Beihai Yu, innumerable Loose Cultivators gather from all directions; each Disciple Recruitment Meeting lasts for one year's time."

"Counting now, about half a year has just passed; this place is not particularly far from Hai Shou Tian Dao either; time-wise it is ample; Dao Friend need not be too rushed."

True Lord Jiaolong spoke, accelerating the Spirit Boat; after two hours like this, the surging sea surface all around gradually calmed; on the distant sea level, a black outline emerged.

Closer, the outline gradually became distinct; it was exactly a protruding island; on it forests were lush; the shore had some fixed ports arranged.

"Jiaolong Island, arrived."

True Lord Jiaolong smiled faintly, slowly exhaled a breath, accelerated and went; not long after, bringing Yu Zhangsheng and the other two, they smoothly boarded the port.

Exiting the port, quite a few cultivators holding weapons with solemn expressions guarded the coastline; seeing the arrivals clearly, their complexions instantly turned respectful; cupping fists and lowering brows they said:

"Pay respects to the Island Master."

These people's cultivation bases were merely Foundation Establishment; after greeting True Lord Jiaolong, they cast curious gazes at Yu Zhangsheng, yet did not ask further.

True Lord Jiaolong nodded, stowed the Jiaolong Spirit Boat, turned his head and smiled lightly at Yu Zhangsheng and Wei Lao: "The island is not large, but these years I have also poured in no small amount of thought and heart blood. Other things I dare not guarantee, but compared to the vast sea domain outside where pirates run rampant and crises lurk everywhere, under my rule public order is still quite well-regulated; safety-wise it is still acceptable."

"In the boundless sea domain, for cultivators like us who often go out to sea, being able to find a temporary foothold and rest properly already counts as rare."

True Lord Jiaolong's words carried a trace of pride.

Wei Lao nodded, glanced around, and said lightly: "Dao Friend has heart; being able to shelter one side's peace also counts as boundless merit."

Yu Zhangsheng was silent, silently observing everything on the island, with thoughts in his heart.

The island was not considered large, roughly a few hundred kilometers in radius; moreover, human habitation was sparse within; most of it was occupied by dense rainforest; buildings were not many; however, Spirit Qi was quite abundant.

At the island's very center, a majestic city stood towering; a statue stood piercing heaven and earth; what the statue depicted was a Jiaolong's body, a hundred zhang tall, lifelike; the dragon head drooped its eyes, overlooking the entire island.

And this is also the origin of Jiaolong Island's name.

A group of people walked, gradually heading toward the island's center; True Lord Jiaolong led the way, walking at the very front, laughing heartily as he introduced: "The two of you actually come from the South Domain; then you may not have seen the Beihai Yu's island scenery; staying here for two days is also quite good; I have already ordered a banquet set in the city; there will certainly be good food and drink to entertain you; thank you two Dao Friends for giving me a bit of face."

"Then I will trouble Dao Friend."

Yu Zhangsheng casually nodded and replied with a sentence.

Not long after, the several people arrived at the island core's city; under True Lord Jiaolong's arrangement, they stayed in the guest rooms beneath the Jiaolong Statue.

"Master, what do you think of this True Lord Jiaolong?"

Inside the room, Yu Zhangsheng opened the skylight, looked up at the hundred-zhang-tall Jiaolong Statue, and said with a light laugh.

"Not much to think."

Wei Lao spoke lightly, a trace of cold laughter flashing in his eyes, looking at the majestic Jiaolong Statue, said:

"Intentions unfathomable; being human, yet willing to be a slave to beasts, forgetting where his origin lies, and even setting his sights on us — then it serves him right for his bad luck."

"Let's watch first and see what tricks he wants to play."

"Mm-hmm," Yu Zhangsheng laughed heartily, nodding as if with deep meaning, "However, this island itself is a good place."

…………

…………

Night curtain descended, sky dimmed, revealing a brilliant starry sky. Like a giant velvet carpet studded with gems, spread across the boundless sky. Stars twinkled, like mysterious eyes gazing upon the ocean and land.

On the island, the central Jiaolong Statue under the starlight's sprinkling was veiled in a layer of faint radiance; moonlight flowed like water; the sea surface shimmered with glittering light, reflecting the star-filled sky.

And beneath the giant Jiaolong Statue, a blazing bonfire burned; firelight illuminated the four directions; a grand banquet was underway; female cultivators with graceful figures wore revealing, exotic-style attire and danced gracefully in the firelight's glow; their silhouettes swayed beautifully in the firelight's reflection; every frown and smile was full of charm.

Sea breeze brushed gently, bringing threads of coolness; the air was permeated with the enticing fragrance of spices and unknown Spirit Beast roasted meat; a scene of auspicious peace and lively bustle.

"Hahaha, Dao Friend Yu, Dao Friend Wei, come come come, guests are guests, drink wine eat meat, eat to your heart's content; hard to come once, must play happily." True Lord Jiaolong laughed loudly, raised his wine cup, clinked it in the air toward Yu Zhangsheng and Wei Lao, then heroically drank it down in one gulp.

Yu Zhangsheng and Wei Lao smiled faintly, immersed in the banquet atmosphere, as if completely relaxed; the several people talked and laughed, a lively and peaceful scene.

After three rounds of wine, songs and dances; as True Lord Jiaolong clapped his hands, musicians immediately entered; drums hung at their waists; using Spirit Power as hammers, they struck forcefully.

"Thump thump thump!!"

The joyful drum rhythm was distinct, full of vitality like a heartbeat; special instruments sounded; that unique melody seemed able to penetrate the soul, stirring Spirit Qi to swirl around, intoxicating one within.

Drumbeats gradually grew heavier, like a heart muffled and resounding; Spirit Qi surged even more; the strange drum sounds spread; the female cultivators' dance postures became increasingly wild and strange; movements neat and uniform, echoing the Spirit Qi's surging; gradually becoming more bizarre, yet also filled with an indescribable beauty.

"This is our Beihai Yu's unique dance; generally only when honored guests arrive will it be performed with full hospitality; it may differ greatly from your South Domain, yet also has a different charm; you two Dao Friends, can patiently appreciate a bit."

"Whatever opinions, feel free to raise them."

The Jiaolong True Monarch smiled and explained, looking at Yu Changsheng and Wei Lao, the smile on his face growing ever more radiant.

Yu Changsheng and Wei Lao exchanged a glance and smiled, the corners of their mouths curling up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. Yu Changsheng laughed "hehe" and said, "To be so valued by the Jiaolong Island Master, receiving such generous hospitality, is truly an honor for us. The island scenery is not bad, but there is one matter I still do not know. May I ask the Island Master to explain a thing or two?"

The Jiaolong True Monarch was startled for a moment, looking at Yu Changsheng, a trace of strangeness appearing in his eyes. He raised his cup and drank it down, laughing heartily, "Dao Friend has what doubts? Just speak freely. I will certainly know everything and say everything."

"I am rather curious. I wonder, for what reason was this giant Jiaolong Statue built at the center of the island?"

"Could there be some other origin?"

Yu Changsheng pointed at the giant Jiaolong Statue and asked with a smile.

Upon hearing this, the Jiaolong True Monarch's expression froze for a moment, then he stroked his beard and slowly explained:

"This matter, ah, actually has no special meaning. It is merely a commemorative act."

"Why commemorate?" Yu Changsheng pressed.

The Jiaolong True Monarch shook his head and smiled lightly, "Dao Friend does not know. Before this old man arrived, this island was not ownerless. Rather, a Jiaolong occupied it, committing evil and acting tyrannically. It brought disaster to the region. Many passing cultivators entered its mouth and became its blood food, causing many cultivators to suffer terribly. This stretch of islands also became a forbidden land."

"Oh?" Yu Changsheng grew interested, his brow lifting. "There is actually such a hidden secret. What happened after?"

"After that, ah."

The Jiaolong True Monarch's gaze sighed with emotion. He opened his mouth and sighed at length, letting out a long breath. He shook his head and said lightly, "After that, this old man and a few good friends, by a coincidence of opportunity, came to this island. We insisted on exchanging with the evil-doer. Thus we exhausted the strength of five oxen and two tigers. Working together, we finally managed to slay it."

"It is just a pity. This Jiaolong was ferocious by nature, with deep cultivation. Even though I and several friends were all at the Purple Mansion Realm, we still paid a considerable price before slaying it. And besides me, the other friends all unfortunately perished in the Jiaolong's mouth. Thinking of it now, it is still heart-wrenching."

The Jiaolong True Monarch sighed deeply, his gaze deep, carrying a trace of painful intent. His complexion showed an indescribable bitterness. His tone was heavy as he spoke slowly.

"So later, to commemorate my few friends, and also to let future people landing on the island know this island's historical origins, I simply built such a Jiaolong Statue. I even changed my own Dao title to Jiaolong as a warning. If my few friends have knowledge in the Yellow Springs, perhaps they would be happy too."

The Jiaolong True Monarch sighed again, shook his head, swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and dully drank a cup of wine. His expression appeared desolate.

Yu Changsheng suddenly realized. He cupped his fists in a bow and said, "So it is like this. I did not expect the Island Master to also be a man of deep feeling. But there is no need to be overly saddened. They are all past events."

"To be able to slay the Jiaolong, bring blessings to the region, and shelter peace for one side — that is truly boundless merit."

Yu Changsheng opened his mouth to praise. His tone was gentle. It fell by the Jiaolong True Monarch's ear, yet he saw a trace of unnatural color flash across the other's face. He lightly turned his head away, nodded silently, raised his wine cup toward Yu Changsheng and Wei Lao, and bowed once more: "They are all just past events. Nothing worth praising. Drink, drink. The two Dao Friends have come from afar. Let us not spoil the mood."

The Jiaolong True Monarch spoke, then tilted his head back and drained another cup. Behind the cover of the wine cup, a trace of deep meaning flashed in his eyes, meaningful and intriguing.

Yu Changsheng and Wei Lao laughed "haha". The three continued conversing. The atmosphere was still quite harmonious.

Dong dong dong! The bonfire surged and burned. The firelight flickered brilliantly. The classical 【music】 grew increasingly intense. The drumbeats were like muffled thunder, and also like a heart beating dully, resonating muffledly. Following the rise and fall of the drumbeats, the dancing cultivators' movements grew increasingly wild and strange. With every gesture, the surrounding Qi surged in response.

Thus, gradually, white vapor rose. As the white vapor gathered, starlight was also drawn in, condensed bit by bit into strange Dao Wen. They fluttered everywhere following the dance movements.

Faintly visible, a bewildering intent rippled open in the surrounding space.

And muffled murmuring voices slowly rang out from all four directions, like tide waves crowding in wave after wave, surging toward Yu Changsheng and Wei Lao.

"Jiaolong Our Lord, reverently covering a thousand ages."

"Receiving Our Lord's command, all living beings become the chopping block."

"My heart submits, wishing for the Lord's blessing."

"The sea of suffering has a shore; from now on, a pure land."

…………

The murmuring voices were blurred and like the tide. At first a single point, then increasingly surging and tumultuous, covering this place, and even striking upon the heart and spirit. And the dancing cultivator's dance grew even more bizarre. As he turned, Dao Dao of white Dao Wen gathering starlight flickered with a ghostly glow.

Under the constant hooking of this ghostly glow, one part went toward Wei Lao and Yu Changsheng. Another part slowly floated toward the giant Jiaolong Statue, branding itself within.

The space seemed to twist. Qi began to rage violently. Amidst a bewildering expanse, the Jiaolong True Monarch raised his cup and gently sipped wine. The smile on his face grew increasingly strange and eerie.

And Yu Changsheng and Wei Lao, their eyes grew bewildered. With the white Dao Wen encircling them, their expressions became dull and sluggish. Their gaze lost its vitality, as if they had lost their souls.

Seeing this, the Jiaolong True Monarch lightly curled his lip, shook his head, and coldly laughed: "You two are indeed cautious enough. Worried I would poison the food and wine cups, you pretended to cooperate but actually used the cup and wine as a trigger. However, how could you have thought that the true trap never lies in the wine?"

"Daring to watch the Sacrificial Dance completely beneath the Jiaolong Statue — even if you are Purple Mansion True Monarchs, you must immerse in the illusion realm for a moment. At this time, are you not at my mercy to slaughter?"

"Although the Painful Hai Dragon Lion's Inner Dan is gone, being able to capture two Purple Mansion True Monarchs back for sacrifice counts as making up for the mistake. The Jiaolong Adults should not blame me." (Chapter End)